Hidden cochlear implant system

ABSTRACT

A hidden cochlear implant system comprises a canal unit and an implanted unit. The canal unit comprises at least one canal microphone; a canal modulator; a canal transmitting antenna: and a canal electrical power source, wherein the at least one canal microphone is electrically connected to the canal modulator, the canal modulator is electrically connected to the canal transmitting antenna, and the canal electrical power source is electrically connected to any component of the canal unit that requires supply of electrical power. The implanted unit comprises a cochlear receiving antenna; a processor; and an electrode array, wherein the cochlear receiving antenna is electrically connected to the processor, and the processor is electrically connected to the electrode array. Additional embodiments of the hidden cochlear implant are disclosed herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/339,380, filed Jun. 4, 2021, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of the United States National Phase entry ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/IB2019/060541, filed Dec. 8,2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 62/777,138, filed Dec. 8, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/809,663, filed Feb. 24, 2019, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/859,481, filed Jun. 10, 2019, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates to hearing aids. More particularly,the present subject matter relates to hearing aid of the cochlearimplants.

BACKGROUND

A hearing aid is a device designed to improve hearing by making soundaudible to a person with hearing loss. Among various types of hearingaids currently available, cochlear implants are of interest to thepresent subject matter.

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted neuroprosthetic deviceconfigured to provide a person with moderate to profound sensorineuralhearing loss a modified sense of sound. Cochlear implants bypass thenormal acoustic hearing process to replace it with electric signals thatdirectly stimulate the auditory nerve. A user of a cochlear implant can,after intensive auditory training, learn to interpret the signalsstimulating the auditory nerve as sound and speech.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment,a perspective view of internal and external components of a human earand a prior art cochlear implant implanted in the human ear.

The components of the human ear 9 that are relevant to the presentsubject matter and prior art are the pinna 910, the cochlea 920, theauditory nerve 930, the ear canal 940, and the ear drum 950.

The prior art cochlear implant 3 comprises an external microphone 310configured to receive sound signals, convert the sound signals toelectrical sound signals, and transmit electrical energy and data, forexample the aforementioned electrical sound signals. The externalmicrophone 310 can be attached to the pinna 910, as shown in FIG. 1.However, it is also possible to attach the external microphone 310 toany item convenient to a user of the prior art cochlear implant 3. Theexternal microphone 310 is electrically connected to an externalmodulator 320, configured to receive electrical sound signals from theexternal microphone 310, modulate a carrier signal with the electricalsound signals to produce a modulated electrical carrier signal, andtransmit the modulated electrical carrier signal. A common carriersignal that is used in prior art cochlear implants 3 is a radiofrequency signal, known as RF signal. The external modulator 320 iselectrically connected to an external transmitting antenna 330. Theexternal transmitting antenna 330 is configured to receive the modulatedelectrical carrier signal from the external modulator 320, convert themodulated electrical carrier signal to a modulated wireless carriersignal, and wirelessly transmit electrical energy and data, for examplethe aforementioned modulated wireless carrier signal. A common wirelesscarrier signal that is used in prior art cochlear implants is anelectromagnetic RF signal. The external transmitting antenna 330normally has a coil-like shape. All, the external microphone 310, theexternal modulator 320, and the external transmitting antenna 330 areexternal components of the prior art cochlear implant 3. In other words,the external microphone 310, the external modulator 320, and theexternal transmitting antenna 330 are attached to the skin of the user.However, alternatively, the external transmitting antenna 330 can stillbe attached to the skin, while the external microphone 310, andalternatively the external modulator 320, can be attached to a clothingof the user. Additional components can be connected to the externalcomponents of the prior art cochlear implant 3, in order to facilitatetheir function. These components include electronics, for exampledigital signal processor (DSP) chips the selectively filter the soundsignals received by the external microphone 310 to prioritize audiblespeech; and a battery.

The prior art cochlear implant 3 further comprises implanted components,that is components that are implanted under a skin, or in the internalparts of the ear 9, of the user. Thus, the prior art cochlear implant 3further comprises an internal receiving antenna 340 configured toreceive electrical energy and data, for example the aforementionedmodulated wireless carrier signal from the external transmitting antenna330, convert the modulated wireless carrier signal to a modulatedelectrical carrier signal and transmit electrical energy and data, forexample the aforementioned modulated electrical carrier signal. Theinternal receiving antenna 340 can also have a coil-like structure, andit is implanted under the skin, normally under just above the pinna 910,on the mastoid bone. The prior art cochlear implant 3 further comprisesan external magnet 350 placed adjacent to the external transmittingantenna 330 and an internal magnet 360 placed adjacent to the internalreceiving antenna 340. The purpose of the external magnet 350 and theinternal magnet 360 is to facilitate placement of the externaltransmitting antenna 330 on the skin in vicinity of the internalreceiving antenna 340 that is implanted under the skin, on the mastoidbone. The internal receiving antenna 340 is electrically connected to aninternal processor 370, configured to receive the modulated electricalcarrier signal from the internal receiving antenna 340, demodulate themodulated electrical carrier signal to produce electrical sound signals,and transmit the electrical sound signals to an electrode array 380.According to one embodiment, the internal processor 370 is in a form ofa chip, for example an ASIC chip. Thus, the internal processor 370 isfurther configured to perform additional tasks relating to controllingthe function of the prior art cochlear implant 3, and ensuring properfunction of the prior art cochlear implant 3. Some exemplary functionsof the internal processor 370 include error check of decoded electricalsound signals to ensure proper decoding, controlling the timing anddirection of transmission of the decoded electrical sound signals, andthe like. Another implanted component of the prior art cochlear implant3 is an electrode array 380 that is implanted in the cochlea 920 of theear 9. The internal processor 370 is electrically connected to theelectrode array 380. The electrode array 380 is configured to receiveelectrical sound signals from the internal processor 370, and stimulatewith these electrical sound signals the auditory nerve 930, that isadjacent to the cochlea 920. Then, the auditory nerve 930 transmits thesignals that it receives from the electrode array 380 to the brain, andthe brain translates these signals to a sense of sound and speech.

One drawback of the prior art cochlear implant 3 is that it includesexternal parts, as detailed above. There are users that fill annoyedfrom carrying such external components, whether on their ear's pinna910, or on a clothing, and on the skin in the vicinity of the pinna 910.Other users can prefer hiding their hearing impairment, and thereforeeven prefer not to use the prior art cochlear implant 3, and leave theirhearing impairment without treatment.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present subject matter, there is providedA hidden cochlear implant system for an ear, comprising:

a canal unit; andan implanted unit,wherein the canal unit comprising:at least one canal microphone configured to receive sound signals,convert the sound signals to electrical sound signals, and transmit theelectrical sound signals;a canal modulator configured to receive electrical sound signals,produce a modulated electrical carrier signal, and transmit data in aform of the modulated electrical carrier signal;a canal transmitting antenna configured to transmit electrical energy tothe implanted unit:and a canal electrical power source,wherein the at least one canal microphone is electrically connected tothe canal modulator, the canal modulator is electrically connected tothe canal transmitting antenna, and the canal electrical power source iselectrically connected to any component of the canal unit that requiressupply of electrical power,and wherein the implanted unit comprising:a cochlear receiving antenna configured to be implanted in a middle earin a vicinity of the ear drum, aside a cochlea, and receive theelectrical energy transmitted by the canal transmitting antenna;a processor configured to receive data and transmit electrical signals;andan electrode array configured to be implanted in the cochlea,wherein the cochlear receiving antenna is electrically connected to theprocessor, and the processor is electrically connected to the electrodearray.

According to another preferred embodiment, the processor is configuredto be implanted under a skin on a mastoid bone.

According to another preferred embodiment, the cochlear receivingantenna has a coil-like structure, and is configured to receive theelectrical energy electromagnetically and wherein the canal transmittingantenna has a coil-like structure, and is configured to transmit theelectrical energy electromagnetically.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal unit is configuredto wirelessly transmit the electrical energy and the data, separately,and wherein the implanted unit is configured to receive the electricalenergy and data and transmit the data to an auditory nerve throughelectrode array

According to another preferred embodiment, the implanted unit furthercomprising an additional internal receiving antenna, electricallyconnected to the processor, wherein the internal receiving antenna isconfigured to be implanted under a skin on a mastoid bone, and toreceive electrical energy and data from an external transmittingantenna.

According to another preferred embodiment, the processor is configuredto be implanted aside the cochlea.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal transmittingantenna is of a type of an optical transmitter, and the cochlearreceiving antenna is of a type of optical receiver, wherein the opticaltransmitter is transferring light energy through the eardrum to theoptical receiver located in the middle ear and the optical receiverconverts light energy into electrical energy and wherein the electricalenergy and data are optically transmitted between the canal transmittingantenna and the cochlear receiving antenna.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal unit furthercomprising a canal processor, wherein the at least one canal microphoneis electrically connected to the canal processor, and the canalprocessor is electrically connected to the canal modulator, and whereinthe canal processor is configured to receive electrical sound signalsfrom the at least one canal microphone, process the electrical soundsignals to produce processed electrical sound signals, and transmit theprocessed electrical sound signals to the canal modulator.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal electrical powersource is rechargeable.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal unit is configuredto adapt its shape and size to the shape and size of an auditory canalof the ear.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal unit furthercomprising at least one grasping element configured to facilitategrasping of the canal unit.

According to another preferred embodiment, the hidden cochlear implantis configured to determine a distance between the canal transmittingantenna and the cochlear receiving antenna, and wherein the distancebetween the canal transmitting antenna and the cochlear receivingantenna is calculated according to a difference between the level ofenergy that is transmitted from the canal transmitting antenna and thelevel of energy received by the cochlear receiving antenna.

According to another preferred embodiment, the hidden cochlear implantsystem is further comprising an adjusting mechanism configured to changethe distance between the canal transmitting antenna and the cochlearreceiving antenna.

According to another preferred embodiment, the electrode array is avibrating electrode array configured to stimulate an auditory nerve ofthe ear by vibrations.

According to another preferred embodiment, the canal unit furthercomprising a ventilation channel allowing air to flow into the earcanal.

In accordance to another aspect of the present subject matter, a hiddencochlear implant system for an ear is provided that comprises:

an external unit;

a canal unit; and

an implanted unit,

wherein the external unit comprises:

at least one microphone;

a modulator;

an electrical power source;

and wherein the at least one microphone is electrically connected to themodulator, the modulator is electrically connected to the transmittingantenna, and the electrical power source is electrically connected toany component that requires supply of electrical power; and wherein thecanal unit comprises:

a transmitting antenna;

and wherein the implanted unit comprises:

a cochlear receiving antenna configured to be implanted in a middle earin a vicinity of a ear drum, aside a cochlea, and receive the electricalenergy transmitted by the transmitting antenna;

a processor configured to receive data and transmit electrical signals;

an electrode array configured to be implanted in the cochlea, andwherein the cochlear receiving antenna is electrically connected to theprocessor, and the processor is electrically connected to the electrodearray.

According to another preferred embodiment, the hidden cochlear implantsystem further comprises an internal receiving antenna, electricallyconnected to the processor, wherein the internal receiving antenna isconfigured to be implanted under a skin on a mastoid bone, and toreceive electrical energy and data from an external transmittingantenna.

According to another preferred embodiment, the at least one microphoneor the modulator or the electrical power source reside within the canalunit.

According to another preferred embodiment, the hidden cochlear implantsystem further comprises a conduit configured to facilitate implantationof at least one component of the implanted unit wherein the conduitcomprises:

an elongated hollow element comprising a lumen; and

a pushing element configured to be inserted into the lumen of theelongated hollow element and push at least one component of theimplanted unit placed in the lumen.

According to another aspect of the present subject matter, an implantedunit of a hidden cochlear implant system for an ear is provided thatcomprises:

a cochlear receiving antenna configured to be implanted in a middle earin a vicinity of the ear drum, aside a cochlea, and receive theelectrical energy transmitted by the canal transmitting antenna;

a processor configured to receive data and transmit electrical signals;

an electrode array configured to be implanted in the cochlea; and

an additional internal receiving antenna, electrically connected to theprocessor, wherein the internal receiving antenna is configured to beimplanted under a skin on a mastoid bone, and to receive electricalenergy and data from an external transmitting antenna

wherein the cochlear receiving antenna is electrically connected to theprocessor, and the processor is electrically connected to the electrodearray.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this subject matter belongs. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present subject matter, suitable methodsand materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patentspecification, including definitions, will control. In addition, thematerials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intendedto be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with referenceto the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to thedrawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by wayof example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferredembodiments, and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, noattempt is made to show structural details in more detail than isnecessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken withthe drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how severalforms may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment,a perspective view of internal and external components of a human earand a prior art cochlear implant implanted in the human ear.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system, further comprising a handle.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system, further comprising anattractable element.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system, further comprising a handleand an attractable element.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system, further comprising a canaloptical transmitter instead of the canal transmitting antenna.

FIG. 7A schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system divided to two parts.

FIG. 7B schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a canalunit of a hidden cochlear implant system divided to two parts that arepartially reassembled.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of internal andexternal components of a human ear and a canal unit inserted in the earcanal.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a side view of an implanted unit of ahidden cochlear implant system, the implanted unit comprising aprocessor that is configured to be implanted in the vicinity of thecochlea.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of internal componentsof a human ear and an implanted unit implanted in the vicinity of thecochlea, the implanted unit comprising a processor that is configured tobe implanted in the vicinity of the cochlea.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of an implanted unitcomprising a processor that is configured to be implanted under theskin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoid bone.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of internal componentsof a human ear and an implanted unit implanted in the vicinity of thecochlea, the implanted unit comprising a processor that is configured tobe implanted under the skin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on themastoid bone.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a side view of another embodiment of animplanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant system.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of internal componentsof a human ear and another embodiment of an implanted unit that isimplanted partially in the vicinity of the cochlea, and partiallyimplanted under the skin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoidbone.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective see-through view of a sideview of an implanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant system, furthercomprising a cochlear optical receiver instead of the cochlear receivingantenna.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of internal componentsof a human ear and an implanted unit implanted partially in the vicinityof the cochlea, and partially implanted under the skin, in the vicinityof the pinna, on the mastoid bone, as well as a canal unit inserted inthe ear canal.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a side view of an internal receivingantenna adaptor electrically connected to a cochlear receiving antenna.

FIGS. 18-20 schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments, inaccordance with the present subject matter, of a storing member.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary of thepresent subject matter, a side view of another embodiment of animplanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant system further comprising aground.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary of thepresent subject matter, a side view of another embodiment of animplanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant system further comprising animplant electrical power source.

FIG. 23A schematically illustrates, according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter, a view of a canal unit of the hidden cochlearimplant system.

FIG. 23B schematically illustrates, according to another embodiment ofthe present subject matter, a partial view of a canal unit of the hiddencochlear implant system.

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates, according to another embodiment ofthe present subject matter, an implant system that some of the implantsystem components are configured to reside in an external unit.

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates, according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter, a view of a receiving antenna.

FIG. 26 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present subject matter, a perspective view of an implanted unitcomprising a processor that is configured to be implanted under theskin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoid bone

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates, according to an embodiment of thepresent subject matter, a view of an exemplary conduit

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to beunderstood that the subject matter is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Thesubject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion of thevarious figures described herein below, like numbers refer to likeparts. The drawings are generally not to scale.

For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of thedrawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment, a perspective view of internal and externalcomponents of a human ear and a prior art cochlear implant implanted inthe human ear. The present subject matter provides a cochlear implantthat does not comprise external components attached to external parts ofa user, for example, the user's pinna 910, a clothing of the user, andon the skin of the user in the vicinity of the pinna 910.

The present subject matter further provides, according to someembodiments, a cochlear implant that does not comprise components thatare implanted under the skin, for example in the vicinity of the pinna910, and from the area of the pinna 910 towards the cochlea 920.

The present subject matter provides in addition a cochlear implant thatcan still be used by users that already have implanted parts of a priorart cochlear implant 3, for example, users that have an internalreceiving antenna 340, an internal processor 370, and an electrode array380, implanted under the skin in the area of the pinna 910, on themastoid bone, in the cochlea 920, and in-between.

In order to distinguish between the cochlear implant of the presentsubject matter and the prior art cochlear implant 3, the cochlearimplant of the present subject matter is designated hereinafter “hiddencochlear implant system”.

According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, components ofthe hidden cochlear implant system 1 are made of at least onebiocompatible material. According to another embodiment, at leastcomponents or parts of the hidden cochlear implant system 1 that areexposed to a biological tissue, for example a biological tissue of anear, are biocompatible. The importance of these embodiments is thatsince components of the hidden cochlear implant system 1 are configuredto be implanted in internal parts of the ear 9, like the cochlea 920, orinserted into the ear canal 940, at least the components or parts of thehidden cochlear implant system 1 that are exposed to a biological tissuehave to be made of at least one biocompatible material in order to avoidrejection response to the hidden cochlear implant system 1,inflammation, and the like. Some exemplary biocompatible material ofwhich components or parts of the hidden cochlear implant system 1 can bemade, include, but not limited to, biocompatible metals such asstainless steel, cobalt alloys, titanium alloys, and the like;biocompatible ceramics such as aluminum oxide, zirconia, calciumphosphates, and the like; biocompatible polymers such as silicones, polyethylene, poly vinyl chloride, polyurethanes, polylactides and the like;and biocompatible natural polymers such as collagen, gelatin, elastin,silk, polysaccharides, and the like. It should be noted that this listof biocompatible materials of which components or parts of the hiddencochlear implant system 1 can be made should not be considered alimiting the scope of the present subject matter, but rather to serveonly as an exemplary list of biocompatible materials.

According to one embodiment, the hidden cochlear implant system 1, shownas a whole in FIG. 16, comprises a canal unit 10, shown in FIGS. 2-8,and an implanted unit 15, shown in FIGS. 9-15.

Referring now to FIG. 2 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant system.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 is configured to beinserted into an ear canal 940 of an ear 9 (as shown in FIG. 8), whereinthe canal unit 10 is further configured to receive sound signals thatenter into the ear canal 940, convert the sound signals to electricalsound signals, modulate a carrier wave with the electrical sound signalsto obtain a modulated carrier wave, and wirelessly transmit electricalenergy and data, for example the aforementioned modulated carrier wave.The canal unit 10 is inserted into an ear canal 940 during a surgicalprocedure.

According to one embodiment, at least part of the implanted unit 15 isconfigured to be implanted in a vicinity to a cochlear 920 of an ear 9.During such surgical procedure, in order to allow a large space for theimplanted unit 15 in the middle ear, the tiny bones called the Malleus,Incus and Stapes can be removed. According to another embodiment, theimplanted unit 15 is configured to receive electrical energy and data,for example the aforementioned modulated carrier wave that istransmitted by the canal unit 10, demodulate the modulated carrier waveto obtain electrical sound signals, and stimulate an auditory nerve 930with the electrical sound signals.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 replaces the externalcomponents of the prior art cochlear implant 3 of FIG. 1, which weredescribed above. In other words, usage of the canal unit 10 can negateusage of the external components of the prior art cochlear implant 3.For example, the canal unit 10 replaces the prior art externalmicrophone 310, the prior art external modulator 320, the prior artexternal transmitting antenna 330, the prior art external magnet 350,the prior art electronics, such as the prior art digital signalprocessor (DSP) chips, and any other external component that can be partof the prior art cochlear implant 3. A person skilled in the art wouldappreciate the benefits and advantages of the hidden cochlear implantsystem 1 of the present subject matter over the prior art cochlearimplant 3. Firstly, the hidden cochlear implant system 1 does notcomprise external components that are easily visible. Thus, a user canuse the hidden cochlear implant system 1 without any one to notice that.This is extremely beneficial and advantageous, especially for peoplethat would not use a prior art cochlear implant 3 because of theannoyance related to carrying external components.

According to one embodiment, the shape and size of the canal unit 10 isconfigured to adapt to a shape and size of an ear canal 940 of a user.According to another embodiment, the canal unit 10 is elastic so itcould adapt its shape and size to the shape and size of the ear canal940 of the user.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 has a hollow cylindricalshape comprising an outward side 1022 and an inward side 1024. Theoutward side 1022 of the canal unit 10 is configured to point towardsthe pinna 910 of the ear 9, namely in an outward direction relative tothe ear canal 940, when the canal unit 10 resides in the ear canal 940.The inward side 1024 of the canal unit 10 is configured to point towardan inner part of the ear, more particularly, toward the ear drum 950 andthe cochlea 920, when the canal unit 10 resides in the ear canal 940.According to another embodiment, components of the canal unit 10,detailed hereinafter, are configured to be accommodated in an innerspace formed by the hollow cylindrical shape of the canal unit 10.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 comprises at least onecanal microphone 104, a canal modulator 106, a canal transmittingantenna 108, and a canal electrical power source 110, wherein the atleast one canal microphone 104 is electrically connected to the canalmodulator 106, the canal modulator 106 is electrically connected to thecanal transmitting antenna 108, and the canal electrical power source110 is electrically connected to any component of the canal unit 10 thatrequires supply of electrical power, for example the at least one canalmicrophone 104, the canal modulator 106, and the like.

According to one embodiment, the at least one canal microphone 104 isconfigured to receive sound signals, convert the sound signals toelectrical sound signals, and transmit the electrical sound signals tothe canal modulator 106. According to another embodiment, the at leastone canal microphone 104 is configured to be placed at the outward side1022 of the canal unit 10, so the at least one canal microphone 104would be able to receive sound signals that enter into the ear canal940.

According to one embodiment, the canal modulator 106 is configured toreceive electrical sound signals from the at least one canal microphone104, modulate an electrical carrier signal with the electrical soundsignals to produce a modulated electrical carrier signal, and transmitthe modulated electrical carrier signal to the canal transmittingantenna 108.

According to one embodiment, the canal transmitting antenna 108 isconfigured to receive the modulated electrical carrier signal from thecanal modulator 106, convert the modulated electrical carrier signal toa modulated wireless carrier signal, and wirelessly transmit electricalenergy and data, for example the aforementioned modulated wirelesscarrier signal. According to another embodiment, the canal transmittingantenna 108 is configured to wirelessly transmit any type of a wirelesscarrier signal known in the art, for example an electromagnetic RFsignal, short-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves—atechnology known as “Bluetooth”, an optical carrier signal, and thelike. According to one embodiment, mentioned above, the canaltransmitting antenna 108 is configured to transmit electrical energy anddata, for example a modulated wireless carrier signal. According toanother embodiment, the canal transmitting antenna 108 is configured totransmit electrical energy, for example in a form of a non-modulatedwireless carrier signal, namely a carrier signal only. According to oneembodiment, the canal transmitting antenna 108 can have any shape knownin the art. According to a preferred embodiment, the canal transmittingantenna 108 has a coil-like shape. According to another preferredembodiment, the canal transmitting antenna 108 is configured to beplaced at the inward side 1024 of the canal unit 10, so the canaltransmitting antenna 108 would be able to transmit electrical energy,for example in a form of a wireless carrier signal, and data, forexample a modulated wireless carrier signal, toward the ear drum 950 andthe cochlea 920 as will be described hereinafter.

According to one embodiment, the canal transmitting antenna 108 canfurther comprise a ferromagnetic ferrite in order to improve theefficiency of transmission of the canal transmitting antenna 108.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 can further comprise acanal processor 107, wherein the at least one canal microphone 104 iselectrically connected to the canal processor 107, and the canalprocessor 107 is electrically connected to the canal modulator 106.According to another embodiment, the canal processor 107 is configuredto receive electrical sound signals from the at least one canalmicrophone 104, process the electrical sound signals to produceprocessed electrical sound signals, and transmit the processedelectrical sound signals to the canal modulator 106. An exemplaryprocess of the electrical sound signals that can be performed by thecanal processor 107 is selective filtering of electrical sound signalsto prioritize electrical sound signals originating from audible speech.Any type of processor that can perform the required processing ofelectrical sound signals can serve as a canal processor 107. Accordingto a preferred embodiment, the canal processor 107 comprises DSP chips.Another exemplary canal processor 107 is a completely in canal (CIC).

As mentioned above, the canal unit 10 comprises a canal electrical powersource 110. Any type of electrical power source known in the art canserve as a canal electrical power source 110. For example, the canalelectrical power source 110 can be a battery, a rechargeable battery,and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the canal electricalpower source 110 is a rechargeable battery.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 further comprises acasing 102 configured to accommodate components of the canal unit 10,for example the at least one canal microphone 104, the canal modulator106, the canal transmitting antenna 108, the canal electrical powersource 110, the canal processor 107, and the like. According to anotherembodiment, the casing 102 is configured to determine the cylindricalshape of the canal unit 10. According to yet another embodiment, thecasing 102 is configured to protect the components that are accommodatedin the casing 102.

According to one embodiment, the casing 102 has a hollow elongated shapedefining a space. According to another embodiment, components of thecanal unit 10 are configured to be accommodated in the space of thecasing 102. According to yet another embodiment, the case 102 furthercomprises an outward side 1022 and an inward side 1024. The outward side1022 of the casing is configured to point towards the pinna 910 of theear 9, namely in an outward direction relative to the ear canal 940,when the canal unit 10 resides in the ear canal 940. The inward side1024 of the casing 102 is configured to point toward an inner part ofthe ear, more particularly, toward the ear drum 950 and the cochlea 920.According to some embodiments, the canal unit 10 is configured to beinserted into the ear canal 940 until the inward side 1024 of the casing102 is in close vicinity to the ear drum 950, as can be seen for examplein FIG. 8 hereinafter.

According to one embodiment, the casing 102, accommodating components ofthe canal unit 10, is configured to be inserted into the ear canal 940of a human ear 9. According to yet another embodiment, the shape andsize of the casing 102 is configured to adapt to a shape and size of anear canal 940 of a user. According to still another embodiment, thecasing 102 is elastic so it could adapt its shape and size to the shapeand size of the ear canal 940 of the user. Thus, the casing 102 is madeof any material known in the art that is elastic, for example softplastic, fabric, silicon and the like, in addition to being made of atleast one compatible material, according to some embodiments, asdescribed above. According to a preferred embodiment, the casing 102 ismade of silicon. According to a further embodiment, the casing 102 issubstantially cylindrical similarly to the substantial cylindrical shapeof the ear canal 940.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 can further comprise atleast one grasping element 112 configured to facilitate grasping of thecanal unit 10, for example during handling of the canal unit 10,insertion of the canal unit 10 into the ear canal 940, or removal of thecanal unit 10 from the ear canal 940. Any type of component that isconfigured to facilitate grasping of the canal unit 10 is under thescope of the present subject matter. Here is a description of someexemplary components that are configured to facilitate grasping of thecanal unit 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant system,further comprising a handle.

According to one embodiment, the handle 1122 is configured to begrasped, for example during handling of the canal unit 10, insertion ofthe canal unit 10 into the ear canal 940, or during removal of the canalunit 10 from the ear canal 940. According to another embodiment, thehandle 1122 is configured to be grasped by a tool used for handling thecanal unit 10, inserting the canal unit 10 into the ear canal 940, orremoving the canal unit 10 from the ear canal 940. For example, thehandle 1122 is configured to be grasped by tweezers, forceps, fingers ofa user, and the like. According to a further embodiment, the handle 1122is positioned at any place on the canal unit 10 that is suitable forfulfillment of the purpose of using the handle 1122. According to apreferred embodiment, illustrated for example in FIG. 3, the handle 1122is attached to the outward side 1022 of the canal unit 10. This positionof the handle 1122 is preferable because it allows grasping of the canalunit 10 during insertion of the canal unit 10 into the ear canal 940, orduring removal of the canal unit 10 from the ear canal 940.

Referring now to FIG. 4 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant system,further comprising an attractable element.

According to one embodiment, the attractable element 1124 is configuredto be attracted by employing a magnetic force, for example duringhandling of the canal unit 10, insertion of the canal unit 10 into theear canal 940, or during removal of the canal unit 10 from the ear canal940. Thus, according to another embodiment, the attractable element 1124is made of any material known in the art that is attractable by amagnet, for example iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, dysprosium, andalloys comprising the same. According to yet another embodiment, theattractable element 1124 is magnetic. Thus, the attractable element 1124is configured to be attracted by any tool known in the art thatcomprises a magnet, or comprises a material that is attractable by amagnet, and is further suitable for handling the canal unit 10,inserting the canal unit 10 into the ear canal 940, or removing thecanal unit 10 from the ear canal 940. According to a further embodiment,the attractable element 1124 can be a piece of a material that isattractable by a magnet, or a magnetic material. According to yet afurther embodiment, the attractable element 1124 is positioned at anyplace on the canal unit 10 that is suitable for fulfillment of thepurpose of using the attractable element 1124. According to a preferredembodiment, illustrated for example in FIG. 4, the attractable element1124 is positioned at the outward side 1022 of the canal unit 10. Thisposition of the attractable element 1124 is preferable because it allowsgrasping of the canal unit 10 during insertion of the canal unit 10 intothe ear canal 940, or during removal of the canal unit 10 from the earcanal 940. According to another preferred embodiment, the attractableelement 1124 can have a ring-like shape, as can be seen, for example, inFIG. 4.

Referring now to FIG. 5 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant system,further comprising a handle and an attractable element.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 comprises multiplecomponents configured to facilitate grasping of the canal unit 10, forexample during handling of the canal unit 10, insertion of the canalunit 10 into the ear canal 940, or removal of the canal unit 10 from theear canal 940. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the canal unit 10 canfurther comprise the handle 1122 as described above and shown in FIG. 3,and the attractable element 1124 as described above, and shown in FIG.4.

Referring now to FIG. 6 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant system,further comprising a canal optical transmitter instead of the canaltransmitting antenna. It should be noted that the drum 950 istransparent and allows passage of light therethrough.

As described above, the canal transmitting antenna 108 is configured totransmit electrical energy, for example in a form of wireless carriersignal, and data, for example in a form of a modulated wireless carriersignal. Any type of wireless transmission of electrical energy and datafrom the canal unit 10 is under the scope of the present subject matter,for example transmission of optical energy and the like. FIG. 6illustrates a canal unit 10 comprising a canal optical transmitter 109instead of the canal transmitting antenna 108. Any type of opticaltransmitter is under the scope of the present subject matter, forexample light emitting diode (LED) and the like. Accordingly, thereceiving antenna 152 functions as an optical receiver that isconfigured to receive the optical energy and transform the opticalenergy to electrical energy. Any type of optical receiver is under thescope of the present subject matter, for example a photoelectric celland the like.

According to one embodiment, the canal unit 10 is configured to bedivided to multiple parts, wherein the multiple parts are configured toreassemble to form a complete canal unit 10.

Referring now to FIG. 7A schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant systemdivided into two parts.

Referring now to FIG. 7B schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a canal unit of a hidden cochlear implant systemdivided into two parts that are partially reassembled.

According to one embodiment, the components of the canal unit 10 can bedistributed in any combination between the parts of the canal unit 10,wherein the parts are divided one from the other. The embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 7A-B is exemplary only and should not be consideredas limiting the scope of the present subject matter. As can be seen inFIG. 7A, the canal unit 10 is divided into two parts—a first canal unitpart 10-A, and a second canal unit part 10-B. According to anotherembodiment, the first canal unit part 10-A comprises the canaltransmitting antenna 108, while the second canal unit part 10-Bcomprises the other components of the canal unit 10 described above,namely at least the at least one microphone 104, the canal modulator106, and the canal electrical power source 110. As can be seen in FIGS.7A-B, the second canal unit part 10-B can further comprise additionalcomponents of the canal unit 10. Thus, during insertion of the canalunit 10 into the ear canal 940 of a user, the first canal unit part 10-Acan be inserted firstly and positioned in the ear canal 940, adjacent tothe ear drum 950. Then, the second canal unit part 10-B can be insertedinto the ear canal 940 and reassembled with the first canal unit part10-A, as shown in FIG. 7B. In order to facilitate the reassembly of theparts of the canal unit 10, the canal unit 10 can further comprise,according to some embodiments, mechanisms for attaching the parts one tothe other. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 7A, a mechanism forattaching the parts one to the other can be a male-female mechanism.Thus, the first canal unit part 10-A can comprise a male member 10-A-2,and the second canal unit part 10-B can comprise a female member 10-B-2that is configured to attach to the male member 10-A-2. Of course, anopposite orientation of the male and female members is also under thescope of the present subject matter.

Referring now to FIG. 8 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof internal and external components of a human ear and a canal unitinserted in the ear canal.

FIG. 8 illustrating a canal unit 10 inserted in the ear canal 940 of anear 9 of a user. The canal unit 10 that is illustrated in FIG. 8comprises inter alia a handle 1122. However, it should be noted thatthis embodiment of the canal unit 10 inserted in the ear canal 940 isonly exemplary, and should not be considered as limiting the scope ofthe present subject matter. Any embodiment of the canal unit 10,described herein, is similarly configured to be inserted in the earcanal 940.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the outward side 1022 of the canal unit 10points toward the pinna 910. As a result, the at least one canalmicrophone 104 residing at the outward side 1022 of the canal unit 10can easily receive sound signals that enter into the ear canal 940. Inaddition, an at least one component configured to facilitate grasping ofthe canal unit 10, for example a handle 1122, an attractable element1124, or a combination thereof, that reside at the outward side 1022 ofthe canal unit 10, can be easily grasped, or attracted by an appropriatetool that is inserted into the ear canal 940 through the pinna 910. Ascan further be seen in FIG. 8, the inward side 1024 of the canal unit 10points toward the ear drum 950 and the cochlea 920. As a result, thecanal transmitting antenna 108 residing at the inward side 1024 of thecanal unit 10 can transmit electrical energy, for example in a form of awireless carrier signal, and data, for example in a form of a modulatedwireless carrier signal, toward the ear drum 950 and the cochlea 920.

Referring now to FIG. 9 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a side view of animplanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant system, the implanted unitcomprising a processor that is configured to be implanted in thevicinity of the cochlea.

Referring now to FIG. 10 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof internal components of a human ear and an implanted unit implanted inthe vicinity of the cochlea, the implanted unit comprising a processorthat is configured to be implanted in the middle ear in the vicinity ofthe cochlea.

According to one embodiment, at least part of the implanted unit 15 isconfigured to be implanted in a cochlea 920 of an ear 9 of a user.According to another embodiment, the implanted unit 15 comprises acochlear receiving antenna 152, a processor 154 and an electrode array156, wherein the cochlear receiving antenna 152 is electricallyconnected to the processor 154, and the processor 154 is electricallyconnected to the electrode array 156.

According to one embodiment, the cochlear receiving antenna 152 isconfigured to receive electrical energy, for example in a form awireless carrier signal, and data, for example in a form of a modulatedwireless carrier signal, that is wirelessly transmitted by the canaltransmitting antenna 108, convert the wireless carrier signal to anelectrical carrier signal, and transmit the electrical carrier signal tothe processor 154. The wireless carrier signal can be modulated; or notmodulated, namely be only electrical energy, as described above.According to one embodiment, the cochlear receiving antenna 152 can haveany shape known in the art. According to a preferred embodiment, thecochlear receiving antenna 152 has a coil-like shape. According toanother preferred embodiment, the cochlear receiving antenna 152 isconfigured to be implanted in the middle ear in the vicinity of the eardrum 950 aside the cochlea 920.

According to one embodiment, the processor 154 is configured to receivea modulated electrical carrier signal from the cochlear receivingantenna 152, demodulate the modulated electrical carrier signal toproduce electrical sound signals, and transmit the electrical soundsignals to the electrode array 156. According to one embodiment, theprocessor 154 is in a form of a chip, for example an ASIC chip, as knownin the art. Thus, the processor 154 is further configured to performadditional tasks relating to controlling the function of the hiddencochlear implant system 1, and ensuring proper function of the hiddencochlear implant system 1. Some exemplary functions of the processor 154include error check of decoded electrical sound signals to ensure properdecoding, controlling the timing and direction of transmission of thedecoded electrical sound signals, and the like.

According to one embodiment, the processor 154 is configured to beimplanted in any place, as desired.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, the processor 154is configured to be implanted in the vicinity of the ear drum 950 asidethe cochlea 920. According to another embodiment, the processor 154 isconfigured to be implanted in the middle ear in the vicinity of thecochlea 920, aside the cochlear receiving antenna 152.

Referring now to FIG. 11 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof an implanted unit comprising a processor that is configured to beimplanted under the skin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoidbone.

Referring now to FIG. 12 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof internal components of a human ear and an implanted unit at leastpartially implanted in the vicinity of the cochlea, the implanted unitcomprising a processor that is configured to be implanted under theskin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoid bone.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, theprocessor 154 is configured to be implanted under the skin, in thevicinity of the pinna 910, on the mastoid bone. This embodiment ispreferred for at least two reasons. Firstly, the surgical procedure ofimplanting a processor under the skin, in the vicinity of the pinna 910,on mastoid bone, and usage of such a processor are currently known inthe art. This ensures that the hidden cochlear implant system 1 of thepresent subject matter would function properly, since according to thisembodiment it employs a processor and surgical procedure that arealready known and reliable. Another advantage is that the components ofthe hidden cochlear implant system 1 are hidden, and therefore notrecognizable.

According to one embodiment, the electrode array 156 is configured toreceive electrical sound signals from the processor 154, and stimulatethe auditory nerve 930 with these electrical sound signals. According toanother embodiment, the electrode array 156 is configured to be incontact with the auditory nerve 930. Any type of electrode array 156known in the art, that is configured to stimulate the auditory nerve 930with electrical sound signals, is under the scope of the present subjectmatter, for example an electrode configured to transmit electricalpulses, a vibrating electrode configured to stimulate the auditory nerve930 by vibrations, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 13 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a side view ofanother embodiment of an implanted unit of a hidden cochlear implantsystem.

Referring now to FIG. 14 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof internal components of a human ear and another embodiment of animplanted unit that is implanted partially in the vicinity of thecochlea, and partially implanted under the skin, in the vicinity of thepinna, on the mastoid bone.

As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, the implanted unit 15is configured to receive electrical energy, for example in a form of awireless carrier signal, and data, for example in a form of a modulatedwireless carrier signal, from the canal unit 10, and eventuallystimulate the auditory nerve 930 with electrical sound signals asdescribed above, given that the wireless carrier signal is modulated.According to another embodiment, the implanted unit 15 is furtherconfigured to receive electrical energy, for example in a form of awireless carrier signal, and data, for example in a form of a modulatedwireless carrier signal from an external source such as transmittingantenna 330 of a prior art cochlear device 3, and eventually stimulatethe auditory nerve 930 with electrical sound signals as described above.

According to one embodiment, the implanted unit 15 that is configured toreceive electrical energy and data from the canal unit 10 and fromsource such as the external transmitting antenna 330 can be implanted ina user that has not been using any type of cochlear implant before.

One advantage of the implanted unit 15 that is configured to receiveelectrical energy, for example in a form of a wireless carrier signalfrom the canal unit 10 and from the external transmitting antenna 330 isthat it allows a user to switch between usage of a canal unit 10 andbetween an external microphone 310, an external modulator 320, and anexternal transmitting antenna 330. Thus, for example when a user cannotuse the canal unit 10, for example because of an ailment in the earcanal 940, the user can still be able to hear sound and speech by usingthe external microphone 310, the external modulator 320, and theexternal transmitting antenna 330. Another advantage of the implantedunit 15 that is configured to receive electrical power and data from thecanal unit 10 and from the external transmitting antenna 330 is that theimplanted unit 15 that is configured to receive electrical power anddata from the canal unit 10 and from the external transmitting antenna330 allows switching to a hidden cochlear implant system 1 of thepresent subject matter, without a need to remove components of the priorart cochlear implant 3.

It should be noted that the functions of the components of the implantedunit 15 that is configured to receive electrical energy from the canalunit 10 and from the external transmitting antenna 330 and theinterrelations of the components of the implanted unit 15 that isconfigured to receive also a wireless carrier signal from the canal unit10 and from the external transmitting antenna 330, as well as theirpositions in the ear 9 and in the vicinity of the ear 9, are similar tothose described above. Therefore, only a brief description of theimplanted unit 15 that is configured to receive electrical energy anddata from the canal unit 10 and from the external transmitting antenna330 would be given hereinafter, in combination with FIGS. 13 and 14.

According to one embodiment, the implanted unit 15 that is configured toreceive electrical energy and data from the canal unit 10 and from theexternal transmitting antenna 330 comprises a cochlear receiving antenna152 that is preferably placed in the middle ear, an internal receivingantenna 340 that is preferably placed in proximity of the mastoid bone,a processor 154, and an electrode array 156. The cochlear receivingantenna 152 is electrically connected to the processor 154, the internalreceiving antenna 340 is electrically connected to the processor 154,and the processor 154 is electrically connected to the electrode array156. According to another embodiment, the implanted unit 15 that isconfigured to receive electrical energy and data from the canal unit 10and from the external transmitting antenna 330 can further comprise aninternal magnet 360.

As described above, the canal transmitting antenna 108 is configured totransmit electrical energy and data, and the cochlear receiving antenna152 is configured to receive the electrical energy and data. Any type ofwireless communication, as well as transmission of electrical energy anddata, between the canal transmitting antenna 108 and the cochlearreceiving antenna 152 is under the scope of the present subject matter.For example, usage of electromagnetic radio signals, and usage ofshort-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves—a technologyknown as “Bluetooth”. Another example is usage of optical energytransmission. According to this example, the canal transmitting antenna108 is of a type of an optical transmitter 109, as illustrated in FIG.6, for example an optical transmitter in a form of a LED, and thecochlear receiving antenna 152 is of a type of an optical receiver 153,as illustrated in FIG. 15, for example in a form of a photoelectriccell.

Referring now to FIG. 15 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspectivesee-through view of a side view of an implanted unit of a hiddencochlear implant system, further comprising a cochlear optical receiverinstead of the cochlear receiving antenna.

Even not shown, it should be noted that the cochlear optical receiver153 can replace also the cochlear receiving antenna 152 of the implantedunit 15 that is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 16 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof internal components of a human ear and an implanted unit implantedpartially in the vicinity of the cochlea, and partially implanted underthe skin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoid bone, as well asa canal unit inserted in the ear canal.

FIG. 16 illustrates a human ear 9, where an implanted unit is implantedaccording to embodiments described above, and a canal unit 10 isinserted in the ear canal 940 according to embodiments described above.This embodiment is advantageous, as described above, since it allows auser to use either the canal unit 10, or the external components of theprior art cochlear implant 3.

Referring now to FIG. 17 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a side view of aninternal receiving antenna adaptor electrically connected to a cochlearreceiving antenna.

According to one embodiment, the internal receiving antenna adaptor 172is configured to be connected to the internal receiving antenna 340.Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the shape of the internalreceiving antenna adaptor 172 is similar to the shape of the internalreceiving antenna 340, for example a coil-like structure, as shown inFIG. 17, when the internal receiving antenna 340 has a coil likestructure. According to another embodiment, the internal receivingantenna adaptor 172 is electrically connected to the cochlear receivingantenna 152. According to yet another embodiment, the internal receivingantenna adaptor 172 is configured to receive electrical energy and datafrom the cochlear receiving antenna 152 and transmit electrical energyand data to the internal receiving antenna 340, that is connected to theinternal receiving antenna adaptor 172. This embodiment is useful for auser that has already a prior art cochlear implant 3, and desires to usea canal unit 10 instead of the external components of the prior artcochlear implant 3. Thus, the internal receiving antenna adaptor 172that is electrically connected to a cochlear receiving antenna 152, asillustrated in FIG. 17, is implanted in the user's ear, in a manner thatthe cochlear receiving antenna 152 is implanted in the middle ear in thevicinity of the cochlea 920 aside the ear drum 950, as shown for examplein FIG. 10, while the internal receiving antenna adaptor 172 isconnected to the internal receiving antenna 340. Thus, after insertingthe canal unit 10 into the ear canal 940, electrical energy and data arereceived by the cochlear receiving antenna 152, transmitted to theinternal receiving antenna adaptor 172, and from there to the internalreceiving antenna 340. Then the electrical energy and data 4 continuetheir path as described in relation to the prior art cochlear implant 3.

According to some embodiments, the canal unit 10 is configured to beinserted into the ear canal 940 until the inward side 1024 of the canalunit 10 is in close vicinity to the ear drum 950, more particularly,until the canal transmitting antenna 108, that resides at the inwardside 1024 of the canal unit 10, is in close vicinity to the ear drum950. According to another embodiment, the canal unit 10 is configured tobe inserted into the ear canal 940 until the canal transmitting antenna108 is in an optimal distance from the cochlear receiving antenna 152that resides in the middle ear on the other side of the ear drum 950.This embodiment is of importance during the process of insertion of thecanal unit 10 into the ear canal 940 of a user, because in one hand itis necessary to avoid damage to the ear drum 950 when, for example, thecanal unit 10 is inserted too deep into the ear canal 940; and on theother hand it is necessary that the distance between the canaltransmitting antenna 108 and the cochlear receiving antenna 152 isoptimal, in order get an optimal transmission of signals between the twoantennae.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the hidden cochlear implant system 1is configured to determine the distance between the canal transmittingantenna 108 and the cochlear receiving antenna 152. According to anotherembodiment, the hidden cochlear implant system 1 is configured toproduce an alarm signal when the distance between the canal transmittingantenna 108 and the cochlear receiving antenna 152 reaches apredetermined value. Alternatively, according to yet another embodiment,the hidden cochlear implant system 1 is configured to produce an alarmsignal as long as the distance between the canal transmitting antenna108 and the cochlear receiving antenna 152 is not similar to apredetermined value.

Any method known in the art for determining a distance between atransmitting antenna and a receiving antenna is under the scope of thepresent subject matter.

One example is transmission of short pulses by the canal transmittingantenna 108, and measurement of the rate of decay of the pulses receivedby the cochlear receiving antenna 152. As the distance between the canaltransmitting antenna 108 and the cochlear receiving antenna 152 isshorter, the rate of decay of the pulses is higher. Thus, a correlationbetween the decay rate and the distance between the two antennae can bedetermined or calculated, and used for determining the distance betweenthe antennae, for example during insertion of the canal unit 10 into theear canal 940.

Another example is letting the canal transmitting antenna 108 totransmit signals in various different frequencies, and determine thefrequency that produces the highest voltage in the cochlear receivingantenna 152. This frequency producing the highest voltage is the commonresonance frequency of the two antennae. The common resonance frequencydepends on the distance between the two antennae. Thus, a correlationbetween the resonance frequency and the distance between the twoantennae can be determined, and used for determining the distancebetween the antennae, for example during insertion of the canal unit 10into the ear canal 940.

It should be noted, though, that the aforementioned examples fordetermining the distance between the canal transmitting antenna 108 andthe cochlear receiving antenna 152 should not be considered as limitingthe scope of the present subject matter, and that any method fordetermining the distance between the two antennae is under the scope ofthe present subject matter.

In addition, any mechanism known in the art for producing an alarmsignal according to the aforementioned embodiments, is under the scopeof the present subject matter. For example, the hidden cochlear device 1is configured to produce a sound alarm; a vibration alarm; a lightalarm; a wireless alarm that includes transmission of a signal to acomputing member, like a computer, a smartphone and the like, when thesignal provokes the computing device to produce an alarm; and the like.Accordingly, the hidden cochlear device 1 further comprises at least onealarm signal producer known in the art, as should be understood by aperson skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20 schematically illustrating exemplaryembodiments according to the present subject matter of a storing member.

The present subject matter further provides a storing member 5.According to one embodiment, the storing member 5 is configured to storeat least one canal unit 10. According to another embodiment, the storingmember 5 is configured to protect at least one canal unit 10 that isstored in the storing member 5, against physical impacts, dirt and thelike. According to yet another embodiment, the storing member 5 isconfigured to charge the canal electrical power source 110 of the atleast one canal unit 10 that is stored in the storing member 5, giventhat the canal electrical power source 110 is rechargeable.

According to one embodiment, illustrated for example in FIG. 18, thestoring member 5 comprises a base 502 configured to accommodate at leastone canal unit 10, and a case 504 configured to accommodate the base502. According to another embodiment, the storing member 5 furthercomprises a cover 506 configured to cover the case 504, preventaccidental exit or removal of the at least one canal unit 10, or of thebase 502 from the case 504, and in addition prevent entrance of dirtinto the case 504 and cause damage to the at least one canal unit 10.

According to one embodiment, the base 502 comprises at least one niche5022, each niche 5022 configured to accommodate a canal unit 10.According to another embodiment, each niche 5022 is configured totightly grasp the canal unit 10, in order to avoid accidental release,or falling, of the canal unit 10 from the niche 5022.

According to one embodiment, the base 502 further comprises a handle5024 configured to be grasped by a user, in order to facilitateinsertion of the base 502 into the case 504, removal of the base 502from the case 504, and carrying the base 502.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 19-20, the storingmember 5 further comprises an electricity charging element 508configured to charge the canal electrical power source 110 of the atleast one canal unit 10 that is stored in the storing member 5, giventhat the canal electrical power source 110 is rechargeable. Any type ofelectricity charging element 508 known in the art is under the scope pfthe present subject matter. Two exemplary embodiments of the electricalcharging element 508 are illustrated in FIGS. 19-20.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 19, the electricitycharging element 508 comprises multiple electrical wires 5082surrounding the base 502, and the at least one canal unit 10 accommodateon the base 502. The multiple electrical wires 5082 are connected to anelectrical power source, for example a mains electricity (not shown), ascan be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Electric poweris transferred by electrical induction from the multiple electricalwires 5082, through a metal coil in the canal unit 10, to the canalelectrical power source 110. An exemplary metal coil can be the canaltransmitting antenna 108 of the canal unit 10, having a coil-likestructure.

According to another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 20, the electricitycharging element 508 comprises multiple electrical wires 5084 positionedon a bottom of each niche 5022 of the base 502. A canal unit 10 isplaced in a niche 5022 when the canal transmitting antenna 108 faces thebottom of the niche 5022 and the multiple electrical wires 5084. Themultiple electrical wires 5084 are connected to an electrical powersource, for example a mains electricity (not shown), as can be easilyunderstood by a person skilled in the art. Electric power is transferredby electrical induction from the multiple electrical wires 5084, throughthe canal transmitting antenna 108, given that the canal transmittingantenna 108 has a coil-like structure, to the canal electrical powersource 110.

Referring now to FIG. 21, schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary of the present subject matter, a side view of anotherembodiment of an implanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant systemfurther comprising a ground.

According to one embodiment, the implanted unit 15 further comprises aground 158, configured to prevent damage to the brain in case of a shortcircuit, as known in the art. The other components illustrated in FIG.21 are similar to the components shown in FIG. 11.

Referring now to FIG. 22 schematically illustrating, according to anexemplary of the present subject matter, a side view of anotherembodiment of an implanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant systemfurther comprising an implant electrical power source.

According to one embodiment, the implanted unit 15 further comprises animplant electrical power source 153. Any type of electrical power sourceknown in the art can serve as an implant electrical power source 153.For example, the implant electrical power source 153 can be a battery, arechargeable battery, and the like. According to another embodiment, theimplant electrical power source 153 is electrically connected to anycomponent of the implanted unit 15 that requires supply of electricalpower, for example the processor 154, and the like. The other componentsillustrated in FIG. 21 are similar to the components shown in FIG. 11.

Referring now to FIG. 23A schematically illustrating, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter, a view of a canal unit of thehidden cochlear implant system. The hidden cochlear implant systemcomprises a canal unit 10 that allows adjustment of a distance betweenthe canal transmitting antenna 108 and a receiving antenna (not shown inthis figure). For example, in order to personalize the hidden cochlearimplant system to dimensions of the ear of individual users. Forexample, the canal processor 107 (not shown in FIG. 23A) is configuredto determine the distance between the canal transmitting antenna 108 andthe receiving antenna (such as receiving antenna 152 shown as example inFIGS. 10 and 16) using a software that calculates the distance betweenthe canal transmitting antenna 108 and the receiving antenna accordingto a difference between the level of energy that is transmitted from thecanal transmitting antenna 108 and the level of energy received by thereceiving antenna. According to the amount of energy gap, the softwarecalculates how much energy is absorbed by the receiving antenna 152 andtranslates this value into the distance between the canal transmittingantenna 108 and the receiving antenna. According to the output of thesoftware, the distance between the canal transmitting antenna 108 andthe receiving antenna can be adjusted in order to optimize the transferof energy from the canal transmitting antenna 108 to the receivingantenna.

According to one embodiment, the hidden cochlear implant system isconfigured to adjust the distance between the canal transmitting antenna108 and the receiving antenna (152, as an example). According to anexemplary embodiment, the canal unit 10 comprises a distance adjuster130 (shown in dash line since it is preferably an internal mechanism)that is configured to change a position of the transmitting antenna 108,preferably by pulling and pushing in the canal unit 10, therebyadjusting the distance between the canal transmitting antenna 108 andthe receiving antenna. An exemplary distance adjuster 130 is a screw130, as shown in FIG. 23A that is connected to the transmitting antenna108 at one side of the screw. Screwing the screw 130, for example with acorresponding screwdriver, changes the position of the transmittingantenna 108 in the canal unit 10. For this purpose, a head 140 of thescrew 130 is positioned on a side of the canal unit 10 that is directedtowards the outer side of the ear canal 940 in order to allow access tothe screw 130 with a screwdriver. Another exemplary distance adjuster130 is a motor for example an electric motor that is configured tochange the position of the transmitting antenna 108 in the canal unit 10as described above.

According to an additional embodiment, canal unit 10 comprises aventilation channel 144 (shown by a dash line). The ventilation channel144 communicates the interior part of the ear with the exterior part.Canal unit 10 can reside inside user's ear canal for a long time, and inorder to allow air to flow into the canal space, a hollow channel can beused. Optionally, hollow channel that is part of the ventilation channel144 is in the same perimeter as the canal unit 10. The ventilationchannel 144 starts at the interior side 146 of canal unit 10 and reachesthe external end thus allowing passage of air. The ventilation canal 144can be located in several locations along the canal unit 10, forexample, having the ventilation channel 144 at the lower end of thecanal unit fits the style of a completely in canal (CIC) processor. Theventilation channel can also comprise filters, wax blocker, valves andother parts.

Referring now to FIG. 23B schematically illustrating, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter, a partial view of a canal unitof a hidden cochlear implant system. According to one embodiment, thehidden cochlear implant system is configured to adjust the distancebetween the canal transmitting antenna 108 and the receiving antenna152. Adjusting mechanism 140 is configured to change the distancebetween the canal transmitting antenna 108 and the receiving antenna152. According to this embodiment, the canal transmitting antenna 108 isattached to a moving part 142 that is capable of moving towards thereceiving antenna 152. Moving part 142 comprises a screw having a threadlike end that comprises a tapering groove that spirals towards or awayfrom the receiving antenna (not shown in this figure).

Referring now to FIG. 24 schematically illustrating, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter, an implant system in whichsome of the implant system components are configured to reside in anexternal unit. According to the embodiments described above, the canalunit 10 comprises all the components of the canal unit described above,meaning that all these components reside in the ear canal 940. Accordingto some other embodiments, some of these components can reside in anexternal unit 30 except of the transmitting antenna 108 and in someembodiments the grasping element 112 that must reside in the ear canal940. For example, each of the microphones 104, modulator 106, processor370, electric power source 110 can reside in an external unit 30. Eachof the other components can reside either in the canal unit 10 or in theexternal unit 30. The components that reside in the external unit areelectrically connected to the components that reside in the canal unit10, for example, wirily or wirelessly.

The external unit 30 is configured to be positioned externally to theear. Preferably, the external unit 30 is placed behind the ear. Forexample, to the pinna or to any item convenient to a user. An advantageof this embodiment is related, for example, to the electrical powersource. Placing the electrical power source in the external unit 30allows usage of a larger electrical power source having a longer batterylife and a larger electrical capacity than in a case in which theelectrical power source is implanted.

Referring now to FIG. 25 schematically illustrating, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter, a view of a receiving antenna.According to one embodiment, the receiving antenna 152 is ellipticallyshaped thus facilitating insertion of the receiving antenna 152 into themiddle ear, which resides between the ear drum 950 and the cochlea 920,and can more conveniently being inserted during surgery using thegrasping element 112.

Referring now to FIG. 26 schematically illustrates, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, a perspective viewof an implanted unit comprising a processor that is configured to beimplanted under the skin, in the vicinity of the pinna, on the mastoidbone. According to one embodiment, the electrode array 156 is configuredto receive electrical sound signals from the processor 154, andstimulate the auditory nerve with these electrical sound signals.According to another embodiment, the electrode array 156 is configuredto be in contact with the auditory nerve. Vibrating electrode array 160is configured to stimulate the auditory nerve by vibrations.

Referring now to FIG. 27 schematically illustrating, according to anembodiment of the present subject matter, a view of an exemplaryconduit. According to another embodiment, the hidden cochlear implantsystem further comprises a conduit 710 configured to facilitateimplementation of at least one component as described above of theimplanted unit. For example, in order to facilitate implementation ofthe receiving antenna 152, or the entire implanted unit in the middleear.

The conduit 710 comprises an elongated hollow element 712 comprising alumen 714, and a pushing element 716 configured to be inserted into thelumen 714 of the elongated hollow element 712 and push at least onecomponent of the implanted unit (such as implanted unit 15, as shown inFIG. 9 as an example) placed in the lumen 714. For implanting theimplanted element in the middle ear, at least one component of theimplanted unit, for example the receiving antenna 152, is placed insidethe lumen 714 of the elongated hollow element 712. Then, the elongatedhollow element 712 is brought to the vicinity of the middle ear and theat least one component of the implanted unit is pushed into the middleear using the pushing element 716.

According to one embedment the receiving antenna 152 is configured to beinserted into the lumen 714 of the elongated hollow element 712, andpushed out of the elongated hollow element 712 into the middle earduring implementation. According to another embodiment, the size andshape of the receiving antenna 152 facilitates insertion of thereceiving antenna into the lumen 714. According to yet anotherembodiment, the receiving antenna 152 is made of a material having ashape memory, for example silicone, namely during insertion of thereceiving antenna 152 into the lumen 714, the size and shape of thereceiving antenna 152 is adapted to the dimensions of the lumen 714, andafter implanting, the receiving antenna 152 in the middle ear, thereceiving antenna 152 assumes its original size and shape.

It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, whichare, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any suitable sub combination.

Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction withspecific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A hidden cochlear implant system for an ear, comprising: acanal unit; and an implanted unit, wherein the canal unit comprises: atleast one canal microphone configured to receive sound signals, convertthe sound signals to electrical sound signals, and transmit theelectrical sound signals; a canal modulator configured to receiveelectrical sound signals, produce a modulated electrical carrier signal,and transmit data in a form of the modulated electrical carrier signal;a canal transmitting antenna configured to transmit electrical energy tothe implanted unit: and a canal electrical power source, wherein the atleast one canal microphone is electrically connected to the canalmodulator, the canal modulator is electrically connected to the canaltransmitting antenna, and the canal electrical power source iselectrically connected to any component of the canal unit that requiressupply of electrical power, and wherein the implanted unit comprises: acochlear receiving antenna configured to be implanted in a middle ear ina vicinity of the ear drum, aside a cochlea, and receive the electricalenergy transmitted by the canal transmitting antenna; a processorconfigured to receive data and transmit electrical signals; and anelectrode array configured to be implanted in the cochlea, wherein thecochlear receiving antenna is electrically connected to the processor,and the processor is electrically connected to the electrode array. 2.The hidden cochlear implant system according to claim 1, wherein theprocessor is configured to be implanted under a skin on a mastoid bone.3. The hidden cochlear implant system according to claim 1, wherein thecochlear receiving antenna has a coil-like structure and is configuredto receive the electrical energy electromagnetically and wherein thecanal transmitting antenna has a coil-like structure and is configuredto transmit the electrical energy electromagnetically.
 4. The hiddencochlear implant system according to claim 1, wherein the canal unit isconfigured to wirelessly transmit the electrical energy and the data,separately, and wherein the implanted unit is configured to receive theelectrical energy and data and transmit the data to an auditory nervethrough electrode array
 5. The hidden cochlear implant system accordingto claim 1, wherein the implanted unit further comprises an additionalinternal receiving antenna, electrically connected to the processor,wherein the internal receiving antenna is configured to be implantedunder a skin on a mastoid bone, and to receive electrical energy anddata from an external transmitting antenna.
 6. The hidden cochlearimplant system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configuredto be implanted aside the cochlea.
 7. The hidden cochlear implant systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the canal transmitting antenna is of atype of an optical transmitter, and the cochlear receiving antenna is ofa type of optical receiver, wherein the optical transmitter istransferring light energy through the eardrum to the optical receiverlocated in the middle ear and the optical receiver converts light energyinto electrical energy and wherein the electrical energy and data areoptically transmitted between the canal transmitting antenna and thecochlear receiving antenna.
 8. The hidden cochlear implant systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the canal unit further comprises a canalprocessor, wherein the at least one canal microphone is electricallyconnected to the canal processor, and the canal processor iselectrically connected to the canal modulator, and wherein the canalprocessor is configured to receive electrical sound signals from the atleast one canal microphone, process the electrical sound signals toproduce processed electrical sound signals, and transmit the processedelectrical sound signals to the canal modulator.
 9. The hidden cochlearimplant system according to claim 1, wherein the canal electrical powersource is rechargeable.
 10. The hidden cochlear implant system accordingto claim 1, wherein the canal unit is configured to adapt its shape andsize to the shape and size of an auditory canal of the ear.
 11. Thehidden cochlear implant system according to claim 1, wherein the canalunit further comprises at least one grasping element configured tofacilitate grasping of the canal unit.
 12. The hidden cochlear implantsystem according to claim 1, wherein the hidden cochlear implant isconfigured to determine a distance between the canal transmittingantenna and the cochlear receiving antenna, and wherein the distancebetween the canal transmitting antenna and the cochlear receivingantenna is calculated according to a difference between the level ofenergy that is transmitted from the canal transmitting antenna and thelevel of energy received by the cochlear receiving antenna.
 13. Thehidden cochlear implant system according to claim 1, further comprisingan adjusting mechanism configured to change the distance between thecanal transmitting antenna and the cochlear receiving antenna.
 14. Thehidden cochlear implant system according to claim 1, wherein theelectrode array is a vibrating electrode array configured to stimulatean auditory nerve of the ear by vibrations.
 15. The hidden cochlearimplant system according to claim 1, wherein the canal unit furthercomprises a ventilation channel allowing air to flow into the ear canal.16. A hidden cochlear implant system for an ear, comprising: an externalunit; a canal unit; and an implanted unit, wherein the external unitcomprises: at least one microphone; a modulator; and an electrical powersource, and wherein the at least one microphone is electricallyconnected to the modulator, the modulator is electrically connected tothe transmitting antenna, and the electrical power source iselectrically connected to any component that requires supply ofelectrical power, and wherein the canal unit comprises: a transmittingantenna, and wherein the implanted unit comprises: a cochlear receivingantenna configured to be implanted in a middle ear in a vicinity of anear drum, aside a cochlea, and receive the electrical energy transmittedby the transmitting antenna; a processor configured to receive data andtransmit electrical signals; and an electrode array configured to beimplanted in the cochlea, and wherein the cochlear receiving antenna iselectrically connected to the processor, and the processor iselectrically connected to the electrode array.
 17. The hidden cochlearimplant system as claimed in claim 16, further comprising an internalreceiving antenna, electrically connected to the processor, wherein theinternal receiving antenna is configured to be implanted under a skin ona mastoid bone, and to receive electrical energy and data from anexternal transmitting antenna.
 18. The hidden cochlear implant system asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one microphone or themodulator or the electrical power source reside within the canal unit.19. The hidden cochlear implant system as claimed in claim 1, whichfurther comprises a conduit configured to facilitate implantation of atleast one component of the implanted unit, wherein the conduitcomprises: an elongated hollow element comprising a lumen; and a pushingelement configured to be inserted into the lumen of the elongated hollowelement and push at least one component of the implanted unit placed inthe lumen.
 20. An implanted unit of a hidden cochlear implant system foran ear, comprising: a cochlear receiving antenna configured to beimplanted in a middle ear in a vicinity of the ear drum, aside acochlea, and receive the electrical energy transmitted by the canaltransmitting antenna; a processor configured to receive data andtransmit electrical signals; an electrode array configured to beimplanted in the cochlea; and an additional internal receiving antenna,electrically connected to the processor, wherein the internal receivingantenna is configured to be implanted under a skin on a mastoid bone,and to receive electrical energy and data from an external transmittingantenna wherein the cochlear receiving antenna is electrically connectedto the processor, and the processor is electrically connected to theelectrode array.